Tips From a Family Dentist on Teaching Kids Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Children need to develop healthy oral care habits at a young age so they will carry them into their teenage and adult years, and in this review from a family dentist, we discuss several ways that parents can help protect their children's oral health with healthy habits. We also discuss how a family dentist can help with oral hygiene development for children.

What parents can do to help teach good oral hygiene habits

Specifically, parents can teach good oral hygiene habits to their children by helping their children brush their teeth and floss until they are able to do so on their own, ensuring that they use a fluoride toothpaste, and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning visits every four to six months. Here is a more in-depth look at each of these tips from a family dentist.

Continue brushing your child’s teeth until they can do so on their own

There is no definitive age as to when a child is able to brush their own teeth. Instead, parents should keep track of their child’s progress and continue brushing for them (and with them) until they are ready to do it by themselves. Kids are usually able to start brushing their own teeth between the ages of five and six. Once they start doing so, watch them closely, and remind them to stay consistent with their oral care routine. These oral hygiene habits and routines are likely to carry into their teenage and adult years.

Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste

Consistency is essential when helping children develop good oral hygiene habits. Unfortunately, most children do not fully understand the importance of brushing, so it is important to remind them about the times that they should brush. It should ideally be once in the morning and once before bedtime. Parents will also need to help their child use a proper toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings every four to six months

Children should understand the purpose of visiting the family dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Having your child visit the family dentist two to three times a year helps them get used to seeing a dentist, thus reducing the risk of dental anxiety or dental phobia. Perhaps more importantly, regular visits to the dentist are ideal for keeping the teeth clean, protecting the teeth from cavities, and promptly identifying and treating any oral health issues that do arise between visits.